In some ways this
building resembles a smaller, simpler version of the Beaux-Arts
Onondaga County Courthouse that Russel would also design within a
year. The building consists of "hyphenated" blocks with a pedimented
central section and rich exterior ornamentation.

The building was
designed in the shape of a "U" so all rooms could have ample sunlight. A
large assembly room on the first floor was the core of the building, with
study, class and recitation rooms arranged around this. The three story
building could accommodate 1,500 students.

Rather than
"fire-proof," the building was a "slow-burn" design. Metal and concrete
were placed under the wood floor system, supported by iron columns. The
stairs were of iron with wooden and wrought iron balustrades.

Postcard, c1915

2004

Photo: David Bridges

.

Postcard, c1915

Teachers and visitors
used the west entrance, near Billings Park. This
entrance was decorated with paired Ionic columns and a richly decorated
pediment. Students were required to use the less ornate Adams Street
entrance on the north.

In 1928,
Albert L. Brockway remodeled and enlarged the school (comparing the
two pictures above, you can see a new addition at the right). Brockway
enlarged the central assembly room to create Lincoln Auditorium, a large,
multipurpose hall with excellent acoustics. The Syracuse Symphony
performed in this hall from about 1930 until the Onondaga County Civic Center was built some 45 years later.

The high school
closed in 1975. In the 1980s the building was partially remodeled and
renamed Greystone Square. A wall was erected at the front of the
auditorium stage to allow installation of a three story atrium where the
stage and backstage had been. But the building was never fully remodeled,
nor fully occupied, and by the late 1990s it was vacant once again.

The Syracuse School District now has
plans to refurbish this building to serve again as a technical high
school.

Exterior

West Elevation

Photo: David Bridges

Southwest corner

Photo: David Bridges

Northwest corner

Photo: David Bridges

West entry

Photo: David Bridges

North entry

Photo: David Bridges

North entry

Photo: David Bridges

West entry

Photo: David Bridges

West entry

Photo: David Bridges

1st floor window

Photo: David Bridges

2nd floor window

Photo: David Bridges

3rd floor window

Photo: David Bridges

3rd floor windows and cornice.

Photo: Michael Stanton

Halls, Classrooms, Stairs

The cast iron stairs
feel rock-solid under foot, but with their cantilevered design and
filigreed risers they appear to float in mid-air.

A second rail has
been added to all the handrails, probably to raise the overall height so
it would conform with contemporary code. The retrofit was done in a way
that matches the original and isn't immediately noticeable.

3rd floor. Notice the original slate blackboard.

Photo: David Bridges

3rd floor room

Photo: Michael Stanton

Doorway between classrooms. Notice the thickness of this interior wall.

Photo: David Bridges

Photographer David Bridges demonstrating the depth of the wall.

Photo: David Bridges

Doors on 2nd floor.

Photo: David Bridges

Fireplace, 1st first floor

Photo: David Bridges

Door, 1st floor.

Photo: David Bridges

Door in basement.

Photo: David Bridges

Hallway in basement.

Photo: David Bridges

Detail, wrought iron stair rail.

Photo: David Bridges

1st floor, stairs.

Photo: David Bridges

1st floor, stairs.

Photo: David Bridges

Detail, 1st floor stairs.

Photo: David Bridges

1st floor stairs.

Photo: David Bridges

2nd floor, stair detail.

Photo: David Bridges

2nd floor, stair rail detail.

Photo: David Bridges

Basement, stair detail.

Photo: David Bridges

Basement, stairs.

Photo: David Bridges

Inside the west entry.

Photo: David Bridges

Ceiling inside west entry.

Photo: David Bridges

Detail, ceiling inside west entry.

Photo: David Bridges

View from 2nd floor into atrium behind the auditorium stage. Hard to believe, isn't it, that this photo is from the same building as the others.

Photo: David Bridges

Looking into atrium on 2nd floor

Photo: Michael Stanton

View from the old to the new: the Mony towers viewed through windows on the 3rd floor.

Photo: David Bridges

Attic above west entry

Photo: Michael Stanton

Original doors, stored on 1st floor.

Photo: Michael Stanton

Lincoln Auditorium

In 1928 Lincoln Auditorium was built
within the space that was open courtyard within the original "U" shaped
building. From the 1930s to the 1970s, this hall was home for the
Syracuse Symphony.

The original design allowed those seated
in the auditorium to look through the stage and backstage to observe
sporting events in the gymnasium beyond. In the 1980s, as part of the
Greystone renovations, a wall was erected across the entire stage and an
atrium and office space were then carved out of the backstage and
gymnasium areas.

Photo: David Bridges

Photo: David Bridges

Photo: David Bridges

Photo: David Bridges

Photo: David Bridges

Detail on balcony wall by steps

Photo: David Bridges

Capital and bottom of architrave under balcony.

Photo: David Bridges

Balcony frieze, seen from stage.

Photo: David Bridges

Stage left, Comedy

Photo: David Bridges

Stage left, Tragedy

Photo: David Bridges

American eagle, at center above stage.

Photo: David Bridges

Capital on post supporting balcony.

Photo: David Bridges

Stage left, Wisdom? Satire?

Photo: David Bridges

Wall decoration, just below ceiling.

Photo: David Bridges

Chandellier in northwest corner of auditorium

Photo: Michael Stanton

This is the largest of the chandeliers, formerly suspended above the center of the auditorium. It fell during renovations in the 1980s.